| Citation |
NHG-P.766.019
30 May 1766:41 (504)
Boston, May 22. Monday last being the day appointed for the
publick rejoicing on the repeal of the Stamp Act; the
morning was ushered in with musick, ringing of bells, and
discharge of cannon, the ships in the harbour and many of
the houses in town being adorned with colours--Joy smil'd in
every countenance, benevolence, gratitude and content seemed
the companions of all. . . [5 more lines] On the Common the
Sons of Liberty erected a magnificent pyramid, illuminated
with 280 lamps: The four upper stories of which were
ornamented with the figures of their majesties, and 14 of
the worthy patriots who have distinguished themselves by
their love of liberty. The following lines were on the four
sides of the next apartment, which referred to the
emblematical figures on the lower story, the whole supported
by a large base of the Doric order.
O thou whom next to heav'n we most revere,
Fair liberty! thou lovely Goddess hear!
Have not we woo'd thee, won thee bold the song,
Lain in thy lap and melted on thy tongue:
Thro' deaths and danger rugged paths pursu'd,
And led the smiling to this solitude:
. . . [34 more lines of verse; 5 more lines of prose
description]
John Hancock, Esq; who gave a grand and elegant
entertainment to the genteel part of the town, and treated
the populace with a pipe of madeira wine, erected at the
front of his house, which was magnificently illuminated, a
stage for the exhibition of his fireworks, which was to
answer those of the Sons of Liberty. . . [25 lines, 68 more
lines describing the celebration]
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